Heloise: Appliance cords can't go distance

Dear Heloise: My gripe is the short cords used on coffee makers and toasters. I have one sideboard with one electrical outlet. The cords all are short, so they don’t reach the outlet unless I put one appliance on top of the other (of course I can’t do that). It would be nice if appliances had retractable cords, as with a vacuum cleaner. — Jan in Waterville, Maine

You are right — they should be long enough to safely reach an outlet and have room for other appliances on the counter. — Heloise

Dear Readers: Other uses for wire dry-cleaning hangers:

■ Roasting marshmallows.

■ Unclogging drains.

■ For getting hard-to-reach items.

■ As plant stakes.

■ Use to restring a drawstring.

— Heloise

Dear Heloise: Do you have a recipe for a salt substitute? — Sasha in St. Louis

Yes, I do, and here is the recipe for this healthy alternative. It is a great recipe for those who need to watch their salt intake. You need:

5 teaspoons onion powder

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon thyme

½ teaspoon white pepper

½ teaspoon celery seed

Mix all ingredients and place in an airtight, labeled container. Store in a cool, dry place away from the oven. — Heloise